An Aspiration to Protect the
World Environment
by Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche

Let us make offerings to the Three Precious Jewels, the Ocean of Conquerors,
And especially to Guru (Padmasambhava) Nangsi Zilnon*,
Sublime Avalokiteshvara, and venerable Cintamanicakra (Tara),
Who are our allies in this degenerate age!

Let us seek refuge in them!
May they crush the egotism and unlimited avarice that are our mighty foes
in this degenerate age!

Above all, may individuals recognize that it is their greatest personal
responsibility to implement the protection of the worldĄŻs environment!
Grant your blessings that, having recognized this, from this day on they can
practice whatever they preach, without voicing mere empty words!

If and when, starting from today,
This writer pledges not to keep tap water running while brushing his teeth,
Grant your blessings that this may come to pass!

Written by the commoner Khyentse Norbu

* A splendid form of Guru Rinpoche

About the translatorDr Gyurme Dorje has been a Tibetan scholar for over 40 years. His
published works (author, translator, co-editor, or contributor) include
the Tibet Handbook, The Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism: Its Fundamentals and History,
Tibetan Medical Paintings, Tibetan Elemental Divination Paintings, Bhutan, and
The Tibetan Book of the Dead.